BoBD and Hawk G4 Review

[Jeff]

Bob:

Last December, you mentioned that you were in the process of reviewing the G4. Does this mean you'll be writing about it in the magazine? If so, when might we expect to see it?

Jeff

[BobD (Archive)]

Probably in the Fall issue...I want to give it a thorough test. But don't hold me to it!

Bob

[Jediscroller]

Hey Bob,
I could send you a pattern to help you test out the top feeding capabilities, hehehehehe.

[BobD (Archive)]

Sure! I'm home because of the snow today...I'll finish it up tonight and post it tomorrow <GRIN>

I did most of the Christmas presents I made this year with the G4. I love it, since I do a lot of fretwork and like to top feed. I've used the Shopsmith, EX30, G4, and the hegner Variable speed extensively...and so far the G4 is my favorite. But I really want to spend some time with the EX21.

Bob

[workin for wood]

Remember in the video I think it was, they say you can stand on the arm and then turn it on and the torque in the motor will not stall? I'll be expecting a report on that claim!

[Grizz]

Remember in the video I think it was, they say you can stand on the arm and then turn it on and the torque in the motor will not stall? I'll be expecting a report on that claim!

I have a G4 and have pushed down as hard as I could on the top arm while running... and the G4 kept going and going and going and ....etc. And I'm no little squirt.

[Paul S WI]

BobD,

I would be interested in your take on the EX21. Just read a review in a woodworking magazine on the EX21, Hegner 18v, G4, and PSWood. They rated EX21 as best of the top four followed by the Hegner 18v. My Hegner is working great for me thus far. However, I am becoming more and more interested in the EX21 for its frame tilt, top feeding, tool-less blade change, deeper throat, larger table and almost vibration free design. Would be nice to just be able to afford a second saw!! Just dreaming.

[Rolf]

What magazine was that article in?
If you don't want to say here send me a private message.

[Paul S WI]

Rolf - Sent you PM. I thought it was an interesting review. Coming from someone who has no seemingly invested interest in any particular machine. And I don't believe he is a scroller. So it will be interesting to see BobD's report as he is a scroller and knows what the pros and cons are of a good, better, best unit.

[workin for wood]

Every so often my G4 won't turn on, then I have to kick start it...that seems to work.

[Rolf]

Jeff,

I find a few kind words and some gentle touch works for me

[Jediscroller]

BobD,

I would be interested in your take on the EX21.

SSWC already did a review on the EX-21. You can read it here.

Of course, the review was written on the Canadian (Somerville) built machine prior to the General International buyout. My understanding is that these are now built overseas which makes me a little nervous considering all the problems Dewalt had when they moved the mfg. of their saws from Somerville overseas. That and now it's that darn ugly General green! I'm sooo glad I bought my EX-30 before this happened.

[workin for wood]

General is or at least has in the past been great quality machines, so hopefully you don't have to worry too much. But if they change up the machine and stop making parts for the old one...then eventually there could be an issue partially caused by the move.

[Paul S WI]

Thanks Kevin, I did read that review and only remarked because BobD mentioned that he wanted to spend some time with the EX21. Just interested in his take on it when/if he does get some time on it. I have even considered getting some time on it myself which would mean buying it (which I'd love to do), which means I would have to explain to my wife why I need two quality SS. Just dreamin and droolin.

[cskipper]

Paul, if you find a way to justify that 3rd saw, please let me know. I've been curious about the EX21 too. I recently got a used Hegner and replaced the top arm with one with the tension release knob. The only thing I don't like is that the top arm doesn't lift which can make threading the blade difficult if I am stack cutting a large piece. Cathy